• 

Istanbul is unique in all the world because no other city straddles two continents. With the Bosphorus Straits dividing it's European and Asian sides, Istanbul does. The city has amassed the historical wealth and diversity one would expect after 2500 years of existence. The thousand-year-old Hagia Sophia, an opulent architectural marvel, is the world's largest enclosed space, and is utterly resplendent with mosaics and art reflecting its history as first a church, then a mosque, and currently a museum. The Old City is enclosed by ancient walls whose 3 meter thickness and 13 meter height halted Attila the Hun's attempt to conquer the city in 447 A.D. Chariot races once clattered around the interior of the Hippodrome, where Byzantine civic life congregated. One can haggle with the shop owners of the bazaar at Kapali Carsi. Over 4000 shops populate its labyrinthine alleys.

Hop between continents on a cruise up the Bosphorus, crossing from Asia to Europe and back again on a reasonably priced 6 hour journey. Relax in an authentic 400-year-old Turkish bath. Gorge on mouthwatering kebabs, kofte or fresh grilled fish. Experience all the rich offerings of a city laden with two millennia of turbulent history and vibrant culture.